Ilton Cubero is an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist working at Johns Hopkins Community Physicians in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Cubero earned his medical degree from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He completed internal medicine training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and cardiology training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Cubero takes care of patients with a broad range of cardiovascular conditions from high cholesterol to cardiomyopathies and advanced heart failure. In addition, he has prior research experience in the effects of pulmonary hypertension on right ventricular function. 

Dr. Cubero first became aware of symptoms in medical school, noticing that his breathing was heavier compared to his classmates when walking up the stairs. He initially attributed this to being out of shape or asthma. Eventually, a classmate heard a murmur, and she suggested Dr. Cubero have this evaluated. Interestingly, Dr. Cubero decided to apply  for the Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Fellowship, which would allow him to devote an entire year to cardiovascular research. Five days after he was accepted to this program, he learned about his HCM diagnosis. Shortly after diagnosis and moving to Boston to start the year of research, he connected with renowned HCM experts which allowed him to get genetic testing fairly quickly, further confirming the diagnosis, and ensuring that he would receive appropriate care.  Years later Dr. Cubero experienced a progression of symptoms which resulted in a surgical myectomy. Dr. Cubero considers the surgery to be life changing. 

Dr. Cubero feels privileged to get to be provider who was a patient first. He knows first-hand how it feels to be short of breath, to have chest pain and episodes of pre-syncope. As a result, Dr. Cubero has a profound understanding and empathy for what his patients endure.